| Previous studies showed that the parasitic lamprey Petromyzon marinus contains two albumin-like molecules: AS predominates in the larval and metamorphic stages and SDS-1 in sexually mature adults. In the non-parasitic Lampetra appendix, one albumin-like molecule, LAS, was found. LAS was restricted to the larval and early metamorphic stages. The association of lamprey albumin profiles with lamprey life histories was investigated by examining four other lamprey species using immunoelectrophoretic techniques. Parasitic Lampetra tridentata and Ichthyomyzon castaneus contain two albumin-like molecules in their lifecycles, one antigenically similar to AS/LAS, the other to SDS-1. The adult serum of non-parasitic Ichthyomyzon gagei contains an albumin-like molecule with determinants of AS/LAS and SDS-1. The larval serum of non-parasitic Lampetra richardsoni contains an AS/LAS-like molecule. There appears to be an association between lamprey life history and albumin profiles, as the second albumin in parasitic lampreys may be associated with the nature of their adult life histories. |
